Bangkok captivates visitors with its chaotic energy and golden temples. Locals know it as the "City of Angels" rather than its international name. Furthermore, it holds the title of the most visited city in the world. Consequently, the Thai capital offers an unforgettable blend of street food and culture. Explore these fascinating details about the Big Mango.
Bangkok
Bangkok holds the Guinness World Record for the longest place name. Specifically, the full ceremonial name consists of 168 letters and takes roughly 15 seconds to recite.
The World Meteorological Organization named it the hottest city in the world. Consistently, the average air temperature remains high year-round because it rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius.
It is strictly illegal to drive a vehicle while shirtless. Therefore, motorists must always wear a top, regardless of how hot the tropical weather gets.
You must stand for the King’s anthem before every movie. Respectfully, cinemas play a tribute video, and everyone in the theater rises to honor the monarch.
Red Bull energy drink originated in this city. Chaleo Yoovidhya invented “Krating Daeng” here in 1976 before it became a global phenomenon.
The city is sinking at a rate of two centimeters every year. Unfortunately, rising sea levels and soft soil mean the capital could be underwater by 2030.
One temple features a golden statue of David Beckham. Surprisingly, the sculptor at Wat Pariwat included the football star in the altar to celebrate the 1998 World Cup.
Street food vendor Jay Fai earned a Michelin Star. Remarkably, she cooks her famous crab omelets wearing ski goggles to protect her eyes from the hot oil.
Locals use the canals for their daily commute. Because traffic jams are notorious, many residents take “river taxis” to bypass the gridlock on the roads.
Most public buildings have separate “spirit houses” outside. Superstitiously, these small shrines provide a home for spirits so they do not haunt the main building.
You cannot bring durian fruit onto public transportation. Consequently, the subway system imposes heavy fines on anyone carrying the pungent “King of Fruits.”
Chinatown contains the largest solid gold Buddha in the world. The statue at Wat Traimit weighs 5.5 tons and was hidden under plaster for centuries.
Elephants used to roam the city streets to beg for food. However, the government banned this practice years ago to protect the animals and public safety.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets on Earth. Impressively, it hosts over 15,000 stalls and attracts 200,000 visitors in just two days.
Finally, leaving the house without underwear is technically illegal. Although police rarely enforce this old law, it remains on the books as a quirky rule.
